The Blue Anchor, Ruckinge

This pub was closed if I remember correctly up until the very end of last year. As I was driving through Kent on a journey back to London I stopped off for something to eat on a Saturday evening. I was pleasantly surprised to walk in a see a welcoming pub and an open fire and a warm hello from a chap called 'Steve' behind the bar, who turned out to be the new Landlord. I enjoyed chatting with him and a glorious half of Directors (I was driving) and sat down to a really excellent curry in the restaurant. I have to say, this pub is unique in the way that it's quiet enough for me to enjoy but also has the jovial atmosphere from the locals. Next time we go back, I want it to be the summer as the beer garden is really the main attraction for me here, that and the large duck pond where you can feed the ducks. In the summer after taking in some of Kents finest countryside I could think of nowhere finer to relax with a good pint of ale. This is not a new pub or a fancy wine bar, more traditional with good beer and food so take that on board and you will really enjoy this pub.

12 Jan 2012 12:45

The Hand In Hand, Wimbledon Common

I have to agree with JamesWimbledon on this one, but I do love the pub. Its one of the three that I do on my Friday night out. Start at the Fox and Grapes, then the Hand in Hand and on to the Crooked Billet. Good beer and a pint of ramrod and special always goes down well. Friendly Staff and they are mostly antipodeans which is always good for a bit of banter about sport and they give as good as they take. As Len Goodman would say 'SevvvverRRn' but could be more if the pretentious customers would calm down slightly as some times I have been in there its like a toffs swingers party. (not that I have ever attended one of those m'lord!)

12 Dec 2009 09:55

The Brewery Tap, Wimbledon Village

This is a great, little pub, it's my local and I live no more than 30 seconds from it. There are 5 hand pull real ales to choose from and a Pint of London Pride here is fantastic, its like silk. Over time your chances increase of have a pint that is at the end of the barrel and sure enough the Landlord was more than happy to replace it. On the Landlord, you could not find a nice chap. The pub seems to have an eclectic mix of customers, they range from students (posh ones) to professionals and couples and all seem to get along nicely. The Juke box is great and the music is varied. Not tried the food in some time but I understand its of a decent quality. Prices are what you would expect from an area of London where you don't have to fear for your life but they are not excessive.

12 Dec 2009 09:46